I did my good deed for the day (yesterday); I donated blood. Our community was down to a one day supply. They asked me if I wanted to donate two units (I guess they just take the platelets and give you back the plasma?). I said, "Sure." Turns out they didn't need that much A+.

I donate as often as I can. The half day off as incentive leave is nice, too.

I did my good deed for the day (yesterday); I donated blood. Our community was down to a one day supply. They asked me if I wanted to donate two units (I guess they just take the platelets and give you back the plasma?). I said, "Sure." Turns out they didn't need that much A+.

I donate as often as I can. The half day off as incentive leave is nice, too.

I used to donate, until i had two not so pleasant incidents. One time they couldnt find my vein so they just decided to stab me until they could find one and i ended up with blood everywhere, then the next time they took too much out (im only little) and i was not in a good way when i went back to work. I need to get some balls and go back again, but i is scared!

"Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?" Zoolander

....One time they couldnt find my vein so they just decided to stab me until they could find one....

I have a vein in my right arm that's the size of a soda straw. They love me. Yesterday, I was first to donate and the sticker says, "You know how to start a woman's day off right, honey." I took that as a double entendre.

I just found out that my HUGE high school crush moved into my neighborhood, less than 500' from my house! Great, now this means I'm going to have to dress better when I take the dogs for a walk. On the other hand he never even acknowledged me in high school so he probably wouldn't recognize me now.

His NOT remembering you may be a good thing. Dress better when you walk the dogs and see if he "introduces" himself to you.

I just want to stick my head out of a window -- any window -- and scream. Like that'll do any good.

Thanks for getting my hopes up, unnamed consulting firm. Express a strong interest in hiring me, and now all of a sudden "things in the office are in a holding pattern right now." My life is in a holding pattern.

Growth for growth's sake is the ideology of the cancer cell. -- Edward Abbey

Bird Finger Randoms

We need an icon that shows (hints at) the infamous U of Florida Gator jaws, with the arms open and closing, vertically.

Downtown Toledo Random.....Last week, the local rag. The (Toledo) Blade had a few black and white snaps taken in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, showing the incredibly packed streets of downtown Toledo during the Christmas shopping season. Brought back memories.....and was a quick lesson on the death of CBDs, suburban shopping centers (and later, malls), the influence of the automobile on our shopping habits, sprawl, and all those other topics that are part of the "brian" of Cyburbia.

Our family lived a few miles from Toledo's CBD. Major department stores in the downtown included (all multi-story) Lasalle's, Lamson's, The Lion Store, Sear's, and Tiedtke's. Mom would grab the two youngest boys (including this Bear) and we would take the bus to the CBD. Christmas shopping was akin to the way we see it in the movies, walking the crowded sidewalks, numerous parcels and bags in our gloved hands.

By the early 1970s, most of the department stores were shuttered, most of the many downtown movie theaters were closed, and my family (now residing in suburban and ranch house invested west Toledo) would drive the single mile to the spanking new Westgate Shopping Center.

Christmas Cards Random.....We still send out Christmas cards. Not a big list, most sent to those families that are a tad older (and a tad more traditional). This year I purchased the cards from the National Railroad Museum. Cool colorful cards with Santa at a workbench, making adjustments to an electric train engine.

Music On The PC Random.....For some reason, I cannot get music that I have saved on my PC to play multiple songs. I will chose the PLAY ALL option and it still only gives me a single song. WTF?

Cincinnati Symphony Random.....Heard that some woman is giving about $85 million to the Cincinnati Symphony. I have no problem with such generosity. I will just say this.....

If I had a strong love for the arts and a big stash of mula I would pass on a huge portion of (for instance) $85 million. But I would also be giving large amounts to homeless centers and shelters, especially those that provide the meals and clothing that keep the downtrodden alive.
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Occassionally Texans do things that surprise me and give me some hope that this state might someday become a little more tolerant and progressive... Houston just elected an openly gay woman as its mayor. Link

There was still some nasty anti-gay interference from national groups, but I feel confident that the most-qualified candidate won this election regardless of the indentity politics in play.

"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

I ran a 10k this weekend (a "jingle bell run" to benefit arthritis). I was very pleased with my results as well. It was a last minute decision to run as I didn't know about it until the night before but it was occurring about a block away from my house. It was however about 18º at the time of the start which was a little cooler than I would have liked. I was afraid that my jingle bells were going to freeze right off!

Cape May: A more weathered version of Mackinaw Island with cars.
Wildwoods: Amusement Parks on piers, 50's motels, really kind of charming if you're nostalgic.
Atlantic City: Walk the boardwalk, see the freakshows! Stay out of the casinos, they are scams. See the sad abandonment of much of the rest of the town.